A man was arrested by the police for allegedly starting the fire that reached fourth alarm in Tondo, Manila last Saturday.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Bindong,” 22, who allegedly used a lighter and spray paint to start the blaze.
Officials said that fire victims mauled the suspect.
Fire victims told police that Bindong started the fire from the second floor of a three-story residential house owned by Aldrin Manansala at around 8 p.m. on Launasa St.
Police also said that Bindong previously threatened to start a fire. Bindong will face arson charges and will undergo a psychological examination.
Arson investigators said the fire reached fourth alarm at 8:56 p.m. before it was put out at 12:10 a.m. yesterday.
No casualties were reported but five people were given medical attention because of difficulty in breathing and high blood pressure. They are now in stable condition, police said.
Around 150 families were affected by the fire. Damage to property was estimated at P1 million. (Erma Edera)
